The Supreme Court of India has made it clear that the days of “tareekh pe tareekh” are over, as it tightened the rules for seeking adjournments.

In a circular issued on March 18, the Court said that adjournments will now be granted only in exceptional situations. Lawyers and parties must clearly state the reason for seeking a delay and also mention how many adjournments have already been taken in the case.

The Court stressed that adjournments will not be given routinely anymore. Only genuine reasons—like a death in the family or serious health issues—will be considered.

It also introduced stricter limits. In fresh cases, an adjournment request can be made only once. The Court further said that two back-to-back adjournments will not be allowed unless the matter is placed before the Bench.

Importantly, in regular cases, the Court has completely stopped accepting adjournment requests.

This step follows earlier remarks by former CJI DY Chandrachud, who had urged lawyers to avoid unnecessary delays and ensure faster hearings